Abstract

Arachidonic acid metabolites, the eicosanoids, are key mediators of allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. The availability of free arachidonate in cells for subsequent eicosanoid biosynthesis is controlled by phospholipase A2s (PLA2s), most notably cytosolic PLA2-α. 10 secreted PLA2s (sPLA2s) have also been identified, but their function in eicosanoid generation is poorly understood. We investigated the role of group X sPLA2 (sPLA2-X), the sPLA2 with the highest in vitro cellular phospholipolysis activity, in acute and chronic mouse asthma models in vivo. The lungs of sPLA2-X−/− mice, compared with those of sPLA2-X+/+ littermates, had significant reduction in ovalbumin-induced infiltration by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and eosinophils, goblet cell metaplasia, smooth muscle cell layer thickening, subepithelial fibrosis, and levels of T helper type 2 cell cytokines and eicosanoids. These data direct attention to sPLA2-X as a novel therapeutic target for asthma.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.